N1,470/litre; Tinubu economic policy pushing Nigerians to breaking point — ADC
African Democratic Congress Issues Warning on Economic Policies
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stark warning to President Bola Tinubu regarding his administration’s economic policies, stating that they are pushing many Nigerians “dangerously close to the limits of human endurance.” The party highlighted rising costs for petrol, food, and education as the main concerns affecting ordinary citizens.
In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC noted that fuel prices have surged to as high as N1,470 per litre. This increase, the party argued, has led to a significant rise in transportation costs, food prices, and educational expenses, making these essentials increasingly unaffordable.
The ADC criticized the administration, stating that “President Tinubu has turned the petrol pump into an instrument of punishment for everyday Nigerians.” The party emphasized that the high cost of fuel has a cascading effect, driving up the prices of nearly all necessities.
The statement also referenced reports from private schools raising fees by 30 to 40 percent despite stagnant wages. “Parents are not earning 40 percent more,” the ADC noted, highlighting how salary increases have not kept pace with the rising costs of fuel, food, housing, transportation, and education.
While the party sympathized with school proprietors struggling with increasing costs, it underscored that parents, workers, and businesses are becoming “casualties” of the current economic climate. It described the current fuel prices as a “Tinubu Tax,” suggesting that many households are feeling the pinch, leading to skipped meals, withdrawn children from school, halted medical treatments, and shuttered businesses.
In addition to criticizing economic policies, the ADC condemned public officials for maintaining extravagant lifestyles funded by taxpayers while expecting sacrifices from the public. The party argued that an economic reform strategy that perpetuates poverty is ineffective.
“When parents must choose between feeding their children and educating them, the government has failed spectacularly in its most basic responsibility,” the statement read.
The ADC framed the upcoming 2027 general election as a pivotal decision point, contrasting Tinubu’s policies with the relief program proposed by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The party reiterated Atiku’s commitment to reduce petrol prices by reintroducing subsidies to bolster domestic fuel production, which it claims would subsequently lower costs for food, transportation, and manufacturing.
“Unlike Tinubu and the APC, we recognize that economic reform must serve the people, not sacrifice them,” the ADC stated, stressing that as an oil-producing nation, Nigerians should not fear visiting filling stations.
The party also cautioned the ruling administration against interpreting the public’s patience as approval of current conditions, warning that “resilience must not become an excuse for continued cruelty.” The ADC urged President Tinubu to take immediate action, asserting that he has had sufficient time to address these critical issues and has inflicted considerable hardship on the populace.
